I come here for the breaking International News stories, and the commentary and exchanges that develop. Some of the cultural/social/religious threads that develop are interesting, too, but the point is not everyone who logs in here (and who would be willing to contribute a nominal monthly or quarterly fee) is also a Ditto-head/AMtalkRadioListener/etc. I value the exchanges of different points of view, but most especially when they're conducted respectfully and rationally. Minority viewpoints aren't always tolerated fairly. (And come to think of it, "ethnic minority" points of view, specifically, are often badly received. That's my one admitted domestic "hot button" issue; otherwise, I tend to drift across the 'independent' center-line from either direction.)
But anyway, here's my two cents:
1.) If you need to impose a user fee, I hope you keep it nominal. The regulars here are mostly a pretty interesting crew, but you're just going to be preaching to the choir and the already-converted, if it gets too high.
2.) Along with the paid-for 'right' to access the website (Please, keep it going!), I hope all y'all can work out a responsible set of ground rules that encourage civility, and help to minimize the flaming, innuendo and character assasination. Personality issues should not be automatically confused with dissenting ideas.
All that being said, I really got a surprise when I got near the bottom of your letter...
There's someone out there with a screen name not unlike my own (MoJoWrrrk'n)! And he's been banned? How many people have confused me with him?
Oh, well; it's not that big a deal, I guess...
I'm glad I didn't fall in with that stink-pit.